03/12, 6:32am

Ting adds support for iPhone 5, could add iPhone 5s, 5c in September

Ting has started to support the iPhone 5 over its Sprint-based network, as rumored last month. The MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) already provides support for compatible iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S handsets, with the iPhone 5 bringing it closer to current generation devices, but not by much. A blog post advises that, since the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c reached Sprint in late September last year, support for the devices is expected to occur at "about the same time this year."

02/25, 4:19pm

Age of device likely overriding concern

Sprint-based MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) Ting will start supporting unlocked iPhone 5 units on its network by next week, sources say. The carrier's iPhone support has so far been limited to the iPhone 4 and 4S; iPhone 5 support has allegedly been held up by Sprint, which often avoids allowing phones on MVNOs until they're a generation or more behind. Because the iPhone 5s and 5c have been available for several months already, the iPhone 5 has reportedly been given the go-ahead.

11/04, 10:43am

iPhone support still largely quiet

Ting -- an MNVO carrier launched just last year, and based on the Sprint network -- is now supporting the iPhone 4 and 4S, a report claims. Ting, Apple, and Sprint are said to have signed a deal for the arrangement, which is described as a "beta" in which Ting has to prove that it can support iPhone customers, and hold up Apple's brand reputation, partly through screening for lost or stolen devices showing up on its network. Sources say that Ting is "scared to make Sprint nervous," and that "Sprint is terrified to make Apple nervous," given that Sprint has a deal to sell the iPhone while Ting doesn't. Being able to sell the iPhone often involves strict demands from Apple, including minimum marketing budgets and unit purchases.

12/11, 12:06pm

Tiered service carrier remains closed to iPhones, BlackBerry

Ting, the MVNO from Tucows, has opened up its service to customers with Sprint handsets. The "Bring your Sprint Phone" program allows users on Sprint to use the service, with seven handsets from Sprint's range being supported by the carrier, which happens to use Sprint's network to function in the first place.

04/13, 1:15pm

Ting promises LTE at the same time as Sprint

Virtual network operator Ting revealed that it will launch an LTE network at the same time as Sprint, which it currently relies on for its CDMA and 3G networks. Ting also now uses Clearwire's WiMAX network for mobile broadband, though if this will change once Sprint rolls out its LTE offering mid-year remains to be seen. According to an executive from Ting's parent company Tucows, Ting's LTE offerings will include USB data modems, mobile hotspots, and "pretty spiffy" smartphones.

12/05, 4:40pm

Ting to use step-up, step-down plans

Best known for its file hosting, Tucows is planning a new virtual carrier based off of sprint that could lower the practical cost of a smartphone bill. Ting will drop overage fees in favor of automatic tier changes. Similar to an older Rogers plan in Canada, customers are bumped up to a new tier if they use more voice, messages, or data than included the plan, potentially saving hundreds of dollars over the course of service.